My forgetter's getting better

published June 7, 2012

in the Stockton Sentinel

Stockton, Kansas

            Last Monday morning, I hit the snooze alarm a couple of times, as usual, and then got up and started the usual routine. After an exhausting weekend, I had made the decision not to set the alarm for an early morning walk, so the alarm was a little later. I had just finished my shower and was starting the facial reconstruction while listening to the news from the television in the living room, when I heard them talking about Memorial Day. I went out to the living room where Bob was doing his morning exercises and sheepishly said, “I have a holiday today, don’t I.” Bob confirmed that yes, indeed, it was a holiday, and added that he was surprised I was up so early on a holiday. He was wondering if I had someplace to go that he wasn’t aware of, since I had already showered.

            I should be embarrassed to say this to anyone, let alone publish it for my readers. How does a person forget about a holiday, a “day off?” How is it possible that a Monday holiday was just not on my radar? And it’s not that “Memorial Day” was not in my thoughts. Just the day before, we had been around our home area and had placed flowers on the graves of family members. You’d think somewhere along the three-hour drive home I would have been making plans for what I would do on Monday, how I would use my day off. But I don’t recall ever thinking about it. I didn’t think about it the day before, or Sunday night when I switched on my alarm as I went to bed, or as I lay there in the morning, hitting the snooze button over and over.

            I’m worried. I think I’ve picked up speed on the downhill side. This little ditty says it better…

            My forgetter’s getting better, and my rememberer is broke. To you that may seem funny, but to me, that is no joke.

            For when I’m “here” I’m wondering if I really should be “there.” And when I try to think it through, I haven’t got a prayer!

            Oft times I walk into a room, say, “What am I here for?” I wrack my brain, but all in vain–a zero is my score.

            At times I put something away where it is safe, but, gee! The person it is safest from is generally me!

            When shopping I may see someone, say “Hi” and have a chat. Then when the person walks away, I ask myself “Who was that?”

            Yes, my forgetter’s getting better, while my rememberer is broke. And it’s driving me plumb crazy, and that isn’t any joke!

            My next “day off” is the Fourth of July. Would someone please volunteer to call me on the third and let me know I don’t have to set my alarm?